Tenant FAQs

A deposit is up to 5 weeks’ monthly rent (6 weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more). It must be protected in a government-approved scheme and is returned at the end of your tenancy, less any agreed deductions for damage or unpaid rent beyond fair wear and tear.

Source: GOV.UK, Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy; GOV.UK, Deposit protection schemes and landlords

It is a contract between you and your landlord (or their agent). It sets out your start date, the deposit, the monthly rent and each side’s duties. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. Tenancies in England no longer have an end date.

Source: GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

As a tenant, you are responsible for:

• paying the rent and any agreed bills, including council tax;
• looking after the property and keeping it clean and in good condition;
• reporting repairs promptly;
• making good any damage you cause;
• not sub-letting without permission;
• allowing access for inspections and repairs on reasonable notice.

Your landlord remains responsible for structural repairs, heating, hot water and electrical wiring.

Source: GOV.UK, Private renting: your rights and responsibilities; GOV.UK, Private renting: repairs

A late payment charge applies if rent is more than 14 days overdue. It is interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, charged only on the overdue amount and only if your tenancy agreement says so. Please contact the office as soon as possible to discuss your options. Persistent non-payment can be a ground for the landlord to seek possession through the courts.

Source: GOV.UK, Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy; GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

Your landlord can increase the rent once a year, but not in the first 12 months of a tenancy. They must give at least 2 months’ notice on the official form (Form 4A). If you think the new rent is above the market rate, you can challenge it.

Source: GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

Decorating or making changes to the property requires pre-approval from the landlord or agency. Please contact us before starting any work. The property should be returned in the condition it was given, apart from fair wear and tear.

Source: your tenancy agreement (GOV.UK sets no general rules on decorating).

You can ask your landlord for permission. They must consider your request and should give a reason if they refuse.

Source: GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

Give 2 months’ written notice (letter, email or text). It must end on your rent due day or the day before, and rent is payable until then. A shorter period is possible if you and your landlord agree in writing. Your deposit is returned after the tenancy ends, less any agreed deductions.

Source: GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

Your landlord or agent must give at least 24 hours’ notice, normally in writing, and visit at a reasonable time. You should allow access for inspections and repairs. In a genuine emergency, such as a gas leak or flood, they may need to enter without notice.

Source: GOV.UK, Private renting: your rights and responsibilities

Tenancies no longer have a fixed end date. Yours continues as a rolling (periodic) tenancy until you give 2 months’ notice or your landlord ends it using a legal ground for possession, with the correct forms and notice (usually 4 months). A landlord cannot use the “sell” or “move in” grounds in the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Source: GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants

Your landlord or agent must protect it in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme) within 30 days and tell you where it is held. At the end of the tenancy it must be returned within 10 days of you both agreeing the amount, and a disputed deposit stays protected until it is settled. Deposit protection has applied since 6 April 2007.

Source: GOV.UK, Deposit protection schemes and landlords; Housing Act 2004 (legislation.gov.uk)

Only proof of your Right to Rent in the UK is a legal requirement, for every adult who will live in the property. We also normally ask for: photo ID, a utility bill from the last 3 months, a credit and referencing check, two references (your employer and your current landlord or agent), your last 6 months’ bank statements and last 6 payslips. Landlords and agents cannot refuse a tenant because they receive benefits or have children.

Source: GOV.UK, Private renting: document checks (Right to Rent); GOV.UK, Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants